Legacy & the Life You’re Building: A Memorial Day Reflection on Purposeful Change

I am deeply proud to come from a family of veterans—individuals whose commitment to service continues to shape my understanding of courage, discipline, and legacy. My sister-in-law, an extraordinary woman, retired from the Air Force after 20 years of service. My father served in the Marine Corps. And my maternal grandfather—my beloved pap—served in the Army.

I’m lucky to have these role models in my life. They served with honor, were shaped by their experiences, and—most significantly for my life—were lucky enough to live to share their stories.

On a recent visit with my pap, who turns 90 this year, I learned of two fellow servicemen he trained with—young men who tragically lost their lives during a stateside training exercise, victims of friendly fire. More than seven decades later, my pap still carries the weight of that loss. “They never even had a chance,” he told me, eyes wet with memory and grief.

This Memorial Day, I’m holding space for those young men. I do not know their names, but their sacrifice—their willingness to serve and prepare, despite the risks—echoes through the generations. Their story is now part of mine. It’s the foundation upon which my own beautiful life has grown. For that, I am humbly grateful.

Those of us who are here—alive, enduring, striving—have an opportunity to honor such sacrifices by living on purpose. To not waste the chances we've been given. To live boldly, make the hard changes, and pursue the life we truly want.

What legacy are you building through the changes you’re making today?

In my coaching practice, I work with remarkable women who are stepping fully into their lives. Women who are side-hustling with heart. Building businesses and communities. Uplifting and empowering others across the globe. These women are dreamers, doers, and change makers. They inspire the work I do through THRIVE Coaching and fuel my commitment to create the tools and spaces that help women realize both their greatest dreams as well as their very next steps.

They are building legacies in real time—bold, messy, intentional ones. And I’m honored to walk beside them.

So this Memorial Day, I invite you to pause and reflect.

• What kind of legacy will your change leave behind?

• Who are you becoming through the process?

• What values will your future self thank you for honoring today?

  
  

Memorial Day is a solemn tribute to those who gave their lives in service. But it’s also a potent invitation: to think not only about sacrifice, but about legacy—and how we live in a way that honors both the past and the future.

Here’s a simple yet meaningful practice to anchor your day:

Memorial Day Journaling Prompt:“If I were to live today in honor of someone who came before me, what bold step would I take toward the life I truly want? How would this inspire those who come next?”

I’d love to hear your reflections. Leave a comment below or share your thoughts with someone you trust. And however you spend the day, may it be filled with gratitude, courage, and intentionality.